Booking a flight can look simple: choose your destination, select a date and find a price.
But if you’ve ever compared several flights, you’ll know that the cheapest ticket isn’t always the best flight.
One option may be cheaper but involve a long connection. Another may cost slightly more but include checked baggage, a better departure time and a much shorter journey.
So how do you choose?
The best flight is the one that gives you the right balance of price, time, comfort, convenience and flexibility.
Whether you’re travelling from Kenya for business, work, education, tourism or visiting family, here’s how to make a smarter choice.
1. Start With Your Travel Priorities
Before searching for a flight, ask yourself:
What matters most to me?
Is it:
- The lowest possible price?
- The shortest journey?
- Convenient departure times?
- More baggage?
- A flexible ticket?
- Fewer connections?
- Greater comfort?
Knowing your priority makes comparing flights much easier.
For example, a student travelling on a tight budget may prioritise price, while someone travelling for an important business meeting may prioritise time and convenience.
2. Compare More Than One Flight
Don’t automatically book the first flight you find.
Compare several options based on:
- Price
- Airline
- Departure time
- Arrival time
- Number of stops
- Total journey duration
- Baggage allowance
- Ticket flexibility
A few extra minutes of comparison can help you find a much better itinerary.
3. Look at the Total Travel Time
The flight duration isn’t always the same as your total journey time.
Consider:
Flight time + connection time + airport transfers + waiting time
For example:
Flight A:
Lower price
One long connection
18 hours total
Flight B:
Slightly higher price
Short connection
11 hours total
If saving seven hours is important to you, the second option may offer better value.
4. Decide Between Direct and Connecting Flights
Direct flights are generally simpler because you don’t have to change aircraft during the journey.
Connecting flights can sometimes offer lower prices or more route options.
Before choosing a connection, check:
- Where the connection takes place
- How long you will wait
- Whether you need a transit visa
- Whether you need to change terminals
- How your baggage will be handled
For more information, read our guide:
Direct vs Connecting Flights: Which Is Better?
5. Check the Baggage Allowance
Don’t overlook baggage when comparing prices.
A flight with a lower advertised fare may include less baggage than another ticket.
Check:
- Checked baggage
- Cabin baggage
- Number of bags
- Maximum weight
- Additional baggage charges
If you’re travelling abroad for work or a long stay, baggage can make a significant difference to the overall cost of your trip.
6. Choose a Departure Time That Works for You
The cheapest flight may not always be the most convenient.
Think about:
How will I get to the airport?
What time will I need to leave home?
Will I need accommodation before the flight?
What time will I arrive at my destination?
A flight that arrives at a convenient time may save you money on transport or accommodation.
7. Consider the Airport
When comparing flights, look at the actual airport—not just the city.
Some destinations have multiple airports.
Check:
- Airport location
- Distance from your accommodation
- Available transport
- Arrival and departure terminals
- Transfer requirements
A cheaper flight to a distant airport may not be the best deal once you include the cost and time of reaching your final destination.
8. Think About Your Cabin Class
Most travellers will choose between different cabin options depending on their budget and needs.
Economy
Usually the most affordable option and suitable for travellers who prioritise price.
Premium Economy
Offers additional comfort on airlines that provide this cabin.
Business Class
Designed for travellers who value additional space, premium services, flexibility and comfort.
Don’t assume you need the most expensive cabin.
Choose the level of comfort that makes sense for your journey and budget.
9. Check the Ticket Conditions
Two flights can have similar prices but very different rules.
Before booking, check whether your ticket allows:
- Date changes
- Cancellation
- Refunds
- Rebooking
- Name corrections
- Route changes
If your plans are uncertain, paying slightly more for a flexible fare may be worthwhile.
10. Check the Airline and Aircraft
The airline you choose can affect your overall travel experience.
Consider:
- Flight schedule
- Baggage policy
- Customer support
- Onboard services
- Aircraft type
- Previous travel experience
- Reputation for operating your route
The aircraft can also matter on long journeys.
A modern aircraft with better seating and onboard facilities may make a long flight more comfortable.
11. Don’t Forget Transit Requirements
If your flight has a connection, find out whether you need any additional documentation.
Transit rules can depend on:
- Your nationality
- The transit country
- The airport
- Whether you leave the airport
- The length of your connection
- Your final destination
Never assume that a connection automatically means you don’t need a transit visa.
Check the current requirements before booking.
12. Think About Your Arrival
Your flight should fit into your entire travel plan.
For example, if you arrive late at night, ask:
Is my accommodation available?
How will I get from the airport?
Will someone be collecting me?
Is public transport available at that time?
For travellers travelling abroad for employment, it’s particularly important to know where you’re going after landing and who will meet or assist you.
13. Don’t Choose a Flight Based Only on Price
Let’s compare two hypothetical options:
Flight A
KSh 65,000
- Long connection
- Limited baggage
- Late arrival
- Strict ticket conditions
Flight B
KSh 72,000
- Shorter journey
- Better baggage allowance
- Convenient arrival time
- More flexible conditions
Flight A is cheaper.
But Flight B may provide better overall value.
The right question isn’t:
“Which flight is cheapest?”
It’s:
“Which flight gives me the best value for my journey?”
14. Use a Simple Comparison Method
When you find several options, make a quick comparison.
| Factor | Flight A | Flight B | Flight C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Baggage | |||
| Journey time | |||
| Connections | |||
| Departure time | |||
| Arrival time | |||
| Flexibility | |||
| Overall convenience |
This makes it easier to see which flight actually fits your needs.
15. Book When You’ve Found the Right Option
Once you’ve compared your options and found a flight that fits your budget and schedule, review everything carefully before paying.
Check:
- Passenger names
- Travel dates
- Destination
- Flight numbers
- Departure airport
- Arrival airport
- Baggage allowance
- Fare conditions
- Connection details
A final review can help prevent avoidable booking mistakes.
Choosing the Best Flight Based on Your Trip
Travelling for a Holiday?
Prioritise price, convenient times and baggage.
Travelling for Business?
Prioritise time, reliability, flexibility and comfort.
Travelling Abroad for Work?
Pay particular attention to baggage, arrival arrangements, documents and total travel cost.
Travelling With Children?
Consider shorter journeys, convenient connections and comfortable schedules.
Travelling on a Tight Budget?
Compare several dates, airlines and connecting routes, while checking the total cost.
Your Flight-Booking Checklist
Before you book, ask:
- Does this flight fit my budget?
- Is the departure time convenient?
- Is the arrival time suitable?
- How long is the total journey?
- Is it direct or connecting?
- Do I need a transit visa?
- How much baggage is included?
- What happens if I need to change my travel date?
- Have I checked the airport and terminal?
- Have I entered my passenger details correctly?
If you’ve checked all of these, you’re in a much better position to make an informed decision.
Ready to Find the Right Flight?
Choosing a flight doesn’t have to be complicated.
At OGEN Agency, we help travellers explore available flight options so they can compare their choices and plan their journeys with greater confidence.
Whether you’re travelling from Kenya for work, business, education, tourism or family, start by looking beyond the ticket price.
Search. Compare. Choose. Travel.
[SEARCH & BOOK YOUR FLIGHT]
Need help with your travel plans?
Contact OGEN Agency on WhatsApp for flight and travel assistance.
Final Travel Tip
Flight prices and availability can change quickly. Always review the final fare, baggage allowance, ticket conditions and applicable travel requirements before completing your booking.
The best flight isn’t necessarily the cheapest or the most expensive. It’s the one that fits your journey.
